Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iglulik (May 13/02) - David Nanaut Arnatsiaq made the news during a recent training stint in Iqaluit.

A resident of Iglulik, Arnatsiaq was called upon during his stay to present Finance Minister Kelvin Ng with a new pair of kamiks prior to the release of the 2002 budget.

Because the kamiks were made by Hall Beach elder Palluannuk Avinngaq, it was appropriate they be presented to the minister by a resident of the Amittuq region. MLA Enoki Irqittuq was absent so the responsibility was passed to Arnatsiaq and fellow Iglulik finance co-worker, Jean-Marie Ipungak.

"Somebody from the (legislature) gave me a call and asked me if I wanted to give the kamiks to him," said Arnatsiaq.

As a relatively new employee of the decentralized office in Iglulik, Arnatsiaq was happy to step in for Irqittuq.

However, he was not too happy about being away from home during the spring season. "I don't like it, but I have to train," laughed Arnatsiaq, who'd rather be home hunting seals and caribou.

"I had a chance to go out here, but I didn't bring my warm clothing," he said.